In short: “Echinacea extract” is not one material. Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia and E. pallida differ in chemistry, so the first line of your specification must name the species and the plant part. Then fix the marker and the method: polyphenols by UV (commonly ≥ 4.0%) is the trade-standard figure, while cichoric acid by HPLC is the species-specific marker for E. purpurea quality. Buying on the word “echinacea” alone is how two suppliers quote the same price for different products.
Three species, three different materials
The genus name on a certificate is not interchangeable with a species name. Root and aerial-part material from the same species also differ in profile, so specify both the species and the part used.
| Botanical source | Typical commercial position | Marker to expect on the COA | What to specify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echinacea purpurea | Most widely traded; the usual default acceptance | Polyphenols (UV); cichoric acid (HPLC) as a species-specific quality marker | Species + part (aerial part or root) + marker + method |
| E. angustifolia | Traded for specific traditional positioning | Alkylamides and related markers depending on the offer | Species + part + the marker the supplier actually tests |
| E. pallida | Declared species with its own marker set | Explicit species declaration — never assume substitution is acceptable |
Quality markers and typical limits
| Marker / parameter | Method | Typical specification | Why it matters to the buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyphenols | UV | ≥ 4.0% | The common standardisation figure for echinacea extract powders; decides what you can declare |
| Cichoric acid | HPLC | Species-specific; set against your own target | A marker associated with E. purpurea quality — useful when UV alone is too coarse |
| Loss on drying | Gravimetric | ≤ 5.0% | Keeps powder stable through tropical logistics and prevents caking |
| Total ash | Gravimetric | ≤ 10.0% | Indicates clean raw-material processing and limits mineral load |
| Heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) | ICP-MS | Per export-market limits | Release criterion for regulated markets; must be per batch |
What to specify on your RFQ
| Parameter | Example entry |
|---|---|
| Botanical source | Echinacea purpurea |
| Part used | Aerial part (or root) |
| Active marker | Polyphenols ≥ 4.0% (UV) |
| Secondary marker (optional) | Cichoric acid (HPLC), value against your target |
| Sieve | 100% through 80 mesh |
| Solvent | Water / ethanol (state the ratio, or “water” for soluble grades) |
| Packing | 25 kg fibre drum with food-grade liner, or as agreed |
Two specification mistakes that cost money
- Specifying only “polyphenols” without the method. UV and HPLC return different numbers for the same material, so a purchase agreement that does not name the method cannot be enforced consistently.
- Treating root and aerial part as equivalent. The part used changes the phytochemical profile and therefore the comparable price basis. Write it into the specification and the COA.
FAQ
UV or HPLC for polyphenols — which should I choose?
UV is the common trade standard for total polyphenol content and is adequate for most specification purposes. If your label or dossier makes a specific marker claim — for example cichoric acid — agree an HPLC method, because UV cannot substantiate an individual compound.
Is aerial-part extract the same as whole-plant extract?
No. The part used changes the phytochemical profile and should be stated explicitly on both the specification and the COA. Suppliers quoting “echinacea extract” without naming the part are not quoting a comparable product.
Which species should I buy?
E. purpurea is the most widely traded and is usually the default accepted species. If your product positioning or dossier requires E. angustifolia, say so in the specification — do not assume substitution is acceptable.
What polyphenol level should I specify?
≥ 4.0% by UV is a common specification for echinacea extract powders. Set your figure against what your finished product must declare, then ask for the measured result rather than the limit alone.
Why does total ash matter for a botanical extract?
Ash reflects the mineral content of the raw material and the cleanliness of processing. A limit of ≤ 10.0% is a practical screening value; unexpectedly high ash can indicate soil or foreign-matter carry-over.
Do I need a heavy metals test with every batch?
For regulated markets and food or supplement use, per-batch heavy metals with a stated method (typically ICP-MS) is the working standard. An annual test supports capability but does not release an individual lot.
What is the difference between echinacea extract powder and echinacea tea?
A standardised extract powder is a concentrated material with a declared marker level and a specification, whereas a tea is dried and comminuted botanical used as-is. They are not interchangeable in formulations or in labelling.
Can I declare both polyphenols and cichoric acid?
Yes, if both are tested on the batch and stated in the specification. Each claim needs its own method and value — one marker’s certificate does not substantiate the other.
Compare the listed Echinacea grades
Use the analytical method and marker named in your RFQ to choose the relevant product route. Confirm the current offered-batch specification and documents before qualification.
Cichoric acid by HPLC
Review the listed 1–4% cichoric acid whole-herb extract range and compare the offered specification with your target.
4% polyphenols
Review the listed whole-herb extract standardized to 4% polyphenols and verify the stated analytical method.
Browse echinacea extract powders with batch-level COAs, or request a sample against your target specification.